Library eliminating fines in effort to provide equal access for users

The city has closed all library branches and recreation centres in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19.

The Calgary Public Library will no longer levy fines for overdue materials as of July 1.

“We know for a fact that one of the things that keeps people from using the library is the fact they may incur fines,” said Mark Asberg, chief executive of Calgary Public Library.

“We don’t want there to be barriers to library usage. In particular, we don’t want there to be barriers to library usage at this moment in time when we know our community has the greatest need as a result of the economic impacts of COVID-19,” said Asberg.

“In economic hardship, we know the library is more important than ever connecting people to resources and for school success and career advancement and getting a job.”

More than 100 major libraries in North America have adopted fine-free models, according to a news release from Calgary Public Library.

The fines previously applied to physical materials only — returns are automated for digital materials.

Asberg said revenue from fines has been declining at the Calgary Public Library, making up only 1.5 per cent of total revenue, primarily due to the increase in digital resources, which now represent
one-third of total materials.

Digital circulation increased 56 per cent compared with April of 2019, while Calgarians took 169 per cent more free online learning courses through the Calgary Public Library.

“Fines have been decreasing over a number of years, precisely for that very reason,” Asberg said. “We’ve been preparing for this impact over time, knowing fines have been disappearing as a revenue source.”

Another important reason the Calgary Public Library is shifting to a fine-free model is so that children are not deterred from borrowing resources from the library by a fear of fines.

“Books are so important to the youngest age group because we know if we can get books into the hands of children, they’re going to be more successful in school and more successful throughout their lives,” Asberg said.

Until July 1, no fines will accrue and all existing fines will be forgiven.

For those wishing to donate their fines, the Calgary Public Library Foundation, with the support of a group of generous donors, will match individual donations up to $25,000 until May 31.

Funds raised will be directed to the Resiliency Fund at the Calgary Public Library Foundation.

“I would like to applaud Calgary Public Library for taking this bold step to help Calgarians during a time when the cost of a library fine could determine if you can get the services and resources you need,” Mayor Naheed Nenshi said in a news release. “Removing barriers and ensuring that all Calgarians, especially children, are not held back from benefiting from the Library is the right thing to do.

“But try to return your materials on time so other people can use them.”

Library branches across the city have been closed since March 16 during the COVID-19 pandemic. All programs, events and room bookings have been cancelled until Aug. 31, although online services and programs have been increased.

Calgarians are encouraged to hang onto previously borrowed library materials. Due dates have been automatically extended and no fines will accrue.

Libraries are listed in Stage 2 of the province’s relaunch strategy, and the Calgary Public Library is looking at multiple scenarios for its reopening.

That could include limited access to locations, adhering to Alberta Health Services public health and safety guidelines, and physical distancing practices.

“The bottom line is we aren’t able to open until at least Stage 2 and in ways that are continuing to be safe,” Asberg said.

He added that the eventual reopening will have modified services, which could include Curbside Holds Pick-Up, a contactless service they are planning on piloting in the coming weeks.

The Calgary Public Library has also launched the Library Hotline, a phone, chat and email service to help direct patrons to a range of resources, troubleshoot technical issues, provide book recommendations, answer questions, and more.